Foot pressure measurement: a review of clinical findings

In this review, a description of what is known about plantar pressure distribution in standing and in gait is followed by sections on clinical findings. Two major clinical areas are treated extensively, namely the diabetic foot and the foot in rheumatoid arthritis. Other applications, including the assessment of surgical procedures for orthopaedic corrections are also included. A large variety of different techniques for foot pressure measurement have been used; interpretation of the results has to be made on the basis of a firm understanding of the technique employed. Often, quantitative results from different pieces of apparatus are difficult to compare, indicating a need for accurate calibration and a standardized presentation. An up-to-date summary of pressure measurement systems reported over the past five years is included.